| Learning what types of problems to expect from | | | | before and after class. You also might consider asking |
| your new puppy is probably the single biggest | | | | whether you can test drive some of the puppies and |
| time-saver in canine companionship because it enables | | | | dogs. To learn about dog behavior and training there |
| you to be prepared for the troubles ahead. | | | | is simply no better teaching aid in the whole world |
| Visiting a local puppy-training class will answer all your | | | | than test driving half a dozen or so adult dogs. See |
| questions in one fell swoop. You will experience | | | | whether you can get them to come, sit, lie down |
| firsthand puppy owners struggling with a number of | | | | and rollover. Why? Because if you can't do it with |
| puppy problems such as puppy biting, boisterous | | | | these dogs how on earth are you going to do it with |
| behavior, fearfulness, house-soiling, destructive | | | | your own dog in just a few weeks time! |
| chewing and digging. Similarly, you will notice | | | | Even if you intend to get a young puppy you should |
| adolescent and adult dog owners struggling with dogs | | | | test drive at least a half dozen adult dogs of the |
| that pull on-leash, jump up, are hyperactive, bark | | | | same breeds and types in which you are interested. |
| excessively, and are generally rambunctious. | | | | Adult dogs are great educators - they will teach you |
| The wonderful thing about the dog owners you | | | | everything you need to know about their breed or |
| meet (especially the children) is that they will tell you | | | | type. Beware of being duped by PCF - the puppy |
| the absolute truth. They'll take all the time in the | | | | cuteness factor. Thought you may be planning to |
| world to explain to you in great detail all their | | | | bring home an 8-week old puppy, remember that she |
| problems - especially, but not limited to, pet problems. | | | | will have the scary brain of an adolescent and will be |
| Pet owners also will offer a realistic view of which | | | | almost adult-sized within just three months. Once you |
| training methods worked well and which methods | | | | get your puppy, the clock is running. Be ready to |
| were useless. Most importantly, though, pet owners | | | | make a grand, positive impact while she is still very |
| will accurately second guess their own predicament | | | | young. |
| and will, almost sadly, tell you what they wish they | | | | Checking out puppies, dogs and problems in a class |
| had done. Perhaps the laments of pet owners are | | | | also offers a wonderful opportunity to investigate |
| one of the best advertisements for prior and proper | | | | different puppy- and dog-training schools for your |
| preventative preparation. Many pet owners will | | | | dog's future education. Remember, your dog is not |
| implore you to heed their advice and avoid their | | | | going to come trained like Lassie. Lassie was played |
| plight. | | | | by several highly trained dogs. The only way your |
| You will quickly appreciate that puppy and dog | | | | dog is going to act anything like Lassie is if you train |
| problems you may expect from your perspective | | | | him right. |
| companion are likely to be the same. Believe it or not, | | | | The best way to save time when training your dog is |
| unless taught otherwise, pups grow up to act like | | | | to select an adult dog that already has a solid |
| dogs. It should come as no surprise, therefore, that | | | | temperament and good manners. Above all, make |
| puppy/dog behavior, temperament, and training | | | | sure the dog is compatible with your busy lifestyle. |
| problems all are utterly predictable. Thus, they can be | | | | Another option is to adopt a puppy that already is |
| easily prevented. | | | | well socialized. Either way, making the right choice in |
| There generally is a lot of time to talk to owners | | | | the beginning will save a lot of time and energy later. |